When word got out that GameSpot veteran game reviewer Jeff Gerstmann got "fired" from his position, the Internet lit up with reports linking his termination with a negative review of a certain game. GameSpot now breaks its silence on the issue and published a statement in its site.

Ryan MacDonald, executive producer of GameSpot Live, says, "Though he will be missed by his colleagues, Jeff's leaving does not affect GameSpot's core mission of delivering the most timely news, video content, in-depth previews, and unbiased reviews in games journalism."

"GameSpot is an institution, and its code of ethics and duty to its users remains unchanged," he continues in his written statement.

GameSpot, however, remained mum on the specifics of Gerstmann's departure. "Due to legal constraints and the company policy of GameSpot parent CNET Networks, details of Gerstmann's departure cannot be disclosed publicly," writes the GameSpot staff.

GameSpot, however, made it clear that amidst all the rumors, the decision to terminate Gerstmann is not linked in any way to their site's advertisers. "Neither CNET Networks nor GameSpot has ever allowed its advertising business to affect its editorial content," says Danny Braman, CNET's Vice President for Programming.

"The accusations in the media that it has done so are unsubstantiated and untrue. Jeff's departure stemmed from internal reasons unrelated to any buyer of advertising on GameSpot," he concludes.